
Class _fS2iN4:i_ 
CopyiightN^Xla'5 

COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. 



OVER T () N E S 




Like hiighi-iLinged things, high up ir air. 



OVERTONES 



ih 



LILIJE l}AKi:i{ IIALSTKl) 



% 



N E W Y O R K 
^ 903 



LIBRARY of CONGRESS 
Two Coplet Received 

DEC 26 1903 

Copyfight Entry 

Aut^. /I-/ ^^3 

CLASS Q,' XXc. No. 



»A ^ ^ 



Copyright^ i(^oj, h Lillie Baker Halsted 



■•• •• 

• : •... . .. 



the trow [> R E S S , new YORK 



CONTENTS 

PAGE 

The Sea-Sont: i 

Nature's Heart _j. 

From my Moss-Seat 6 

I1ie Hills 7 

SpriniT 8 

Fluttering; Leaves lo 

God's Own II 

Compensation i ^ 

Kjidless Life i_j. 

The "Compass Flower" 15 

Failure? i5 

The Race 17 

A Prayer 20 

Revealed 20 

'' It is Not All of Life to Live "... 22 

V 



PAGE 

Resurrection Vision 23 

From Afar 25 

Melody 25 

My Love and I 27 

Purity 28 

Two 29 

A Dream 31 

Life 34 

Higher Life 39 

Sweet Violin 41 

Blossom 42 

Little Powers 43 

The Mother Heart 44 

The Hours 4^ 

" Simple Aveu " 47 

By the Sea 48 

To a Friend 49 



He hath also pat the world into his heart." 



THE SEA-SONG 

Y()l s:i\ I am noisy, cnit'l and roiiiih ; 
I know ni\ niiLilitx stren;zth is enouizh 
To wreck e'en the proudest sail 
When I choose to frolic the ij;ale. 
And sometimes I take 
A wild leap ashore, 
And with shiny \va\es 

Wash old' Karth's floor. 
Or I toss a orreat ship 

From my breast, 
And in briny deeps 
Lull crew to rest. 

Changeable? \'es, sometimes mild, 
I kiss the feet of the pretty child. 
For maiden demure, I dimple and smile. 
Until her far-away thought I beguile. 
Surging and breaking 

In cloudy spray 
I dance and glisten 
Her gloom away. 



For life, we know, should l)e taken merrily 
I feel m\self bubbling over with glee. 
One can't be droning for evermore, 
I'll gather up my strength and roar. 
Oil, I love so well 

In mad impulse to tiing 
]\Iy waves on the rocks 
And see them spring 
Jvike bright-winged things 

High up in the air, 
Then fall in white sliower 
Of foam ever\ where. 



And I'm not so different from life; 
It has its ebb and flow, and strife, 
Its moods, some sad, and others gay, 
Its cherished secrets hid deep away. 
Times when your heart 

Must overflow 
And, reaching, you draw 
Others to woe. 



I stretch my arms and clasp the globe. 
And proud am I of changing green robe. 
The great God has intrusted to my care, 
Countless creatures, and jewels rare. 



Sonictinics I hush 
M\ sportixi' mirth, 

And join in the praise 
( )t solemn I'arth. 




NATURE'S HEART 

HOW we love to sin^ of the Sprini 
In endless rhythm and la\ ; 
Of the power in the sun, to bring 
Response from Earth's heart, each day. 

Little leaves, so tender and green, 

Unfolding in charming hue, 
Soon cover twigs we've so long seen, 

Hiding all imsightly view. 

Golden rays over all, so sweet, 
Gay bird-music filling the air; 

With this boimding life at her feet 
Old Earth grows young and fair. 

Dark pines, so straight and tall, 

Look on in grand dismay ; 
There, where there seemed no life at al 

Saucy greens spring out each day. 



Bleak Winter i^one, joy can oerflow; 

Impulse witliout. new purpose within. 
Life must bloom, kind deeds p;row, 

And C()\er bare sorrow and sin. 




=*-^; 



A 



FROM MY MOSS-SEAT 

QUIET spot in the woods so green, 
A seat on the moss, with leafy screen. 
Supported l)v friendly tree — happy 
Queen ! 



Far as the eye of our hearts can read 
We get, what our hungry souls may need 
When we surrender — to Nature heed. 

When wholly free from trammel of art 

1 am her child, of herself a part, 

The beautiful whispers in m\ own heart. 

]\Iy free soul soars aho\ e common mind ; 
Nature folds, hushes, with lullaby kind, 
Music of birds, leaf-rustle and w ind. 

Dainty ferns and \ines at my feet, woo, 
Their delicate tracery and shadings so true: 
From them I look up to roof, green and 1)1 ue, 

P^rom my lowly moss -seat to joy above 
Will be no strange and startling move; 
Vaster beauty, enlarged vision and love ! 



THE HILLS 

WHKRK fldds of soft hue 
Rise to cdt^c of \\'0(Kl-screen 
Whose tops pierce the hlue, 
Are round heights of green, 
I'hey ^hidden the eye. the\" lead thouizht hi'2;h. 

Like a saint's h'fe, cahn, 

In storm or sunshine, serene; 
( )n the K\erlastins2: Arm 

Securely they lean. 
Firm, without fear, tho' sorrow rolls near. 

I'Vet in the valley still. 

Head aloft in God's air; 
There, at Heaven's will, 

Blow blessing;s fair. 
There sweet faith find, that lea\es doidn be- 
hind. 

Clear snrintrs refreshin^r, 

FlowinG; from cool heights, 
Lend lowlands perishing, 

Share in high delights. 



Life from the Fountain Head, gladdens weary 
tread. 



Stretching away sweet hills, 

Softened, changed in hue, 
Caressed by the fleecy clouds 

You nestle into the blue. 
Tender moonshine o'er thee, God's peace o'er 
me. 



SPRING 



UST hear the birds' sweet singing 
As they tilt on the tree-tops, swinging. 



Robin trills in the pine-tree tall 
Wonderful notes from throat so small. 



The birds of the wood, all seem so glad, 
Surely no creature on earth is sad. 

The sun warms the chilly old earth, 
Creation smiles and sings with mirth. 

8 



Each little stream hastes to rejoice 
And add to the music its happy voice. 

All this joy heralds in a newcomer, 
l^cautiful ori'een-rohed Madam Summer, 



■v^. 



FLUTTERING LEAVES 

THK dainty, youthful Summer is gone, 
All is mature now, hardy and strong. 
P^arth's preparations are complete 
For stern Winter's ice and sleet. 
Bright clusters of gold defy the cold. 
And purple hlootii iraves in gloom. 

The wind has a weird, warning sound. 
And dry leaves rattle and rustle around. 
Sturdy and bare, stripped of their grace, 
The trees are creaking in their place. 
Have no fear, there is even now near 
(Tremble not so) a blanket of snow. 

'Tis a message of change, this rover, 

Is whistling, sighing, blowing over 

My hills, that seem settling aw^ay 

Into the distance of hazy gray. 

In warm ivrap, tiny buds nap 

So safe from woe, waiting sap flow. 



The days arc dreaiy, ^et the plan 

Is God's, so ritjht, for earth and man. 

Let the lea\es fall sear and die, 

Summer's promise is near by! 

Nature breathes, in liind, through leaves, 

A sweet overtone, to her own. 

So the \ears are falling fast. 
Life, with chanixcs, hurries past. 
Doubts, temptations, round us rattle; 
We must holy be, if we would battle. 
The Lord doth care, is everywhere — 
// inter will hrin<r budding Spring. 



GOD'S OWN 

THE sweet hiirh calm that ruled thee, 
Sheds its qiuetin^ influence o'er me. 
My heart hears now, God's " Be still! 
Yearninp;s bend to Heaven's will. 
Thy soul ^oes back to Heaven a'jain 
Pure, untouched by earthly sta'n. 
E'en the strans:er who looked in thy face 
Felt the touch of a heavenly grace ; 
And we, who knew all thy sweet ways, 
Count up as pearls the precious days, 
I i 



Thanking God we had some part 
In the unfolding of such a heart. 
Like peaceful river, th}^ days along 
Flowed kindl), kept its sweet song, 
To the great sea of a good man's love, 
A mother's joy, bit of Heaven above. 
No grief or trouble ever touched thee, 
And nozv] thy pure soid set free 
Is safe in the Father's own keeping! 
Rejoice, oh, my heart! cease weeping! 



We cannot follow in the other life, 
But my soul reaches out of sorrow, strife, 
And lo! the veil between grows sheer, 
I feel, yea, seem to see thee near; 
Wise with the Father, knowing now 
Into life's meanings, learning how 
To minister to us, so lonely here. 
Lighten some of our hours drear, — 
Alive, in thy mansion, glorious 
O'er sickness, and death, victorious. 
Close to the Saviour who came to greet 
And bear thee himself to welcome sweet. 
Adding thy joy, thy music, to Fleaven, 
Continued praise for mighty love given — 
So happy, so satisfied, can I mourn ! 
Thou art not dead! Art not gone! 

12 



Wilt thou help my mansion to make 
Come for me, when the Lord will take 
My poor tired soul to his bosom, too. 
My longing heart to Heaven, and you! 



COMPENSATION 

THE world, its lite and happiness 
Recedes; shut in by pain, alone 
1 cry, She is gone! my darling's gone! 
Lord, I cannot face the coming days 
Without this child, companion, friend, 
In whom I had so deep a joy! 
In the sad night hours combes a hush, 
A quieting, that stills my sobs, 
Lifts me, like spent child, 
Into the Everlasting Arms! 
There comes into the ache and void 
An overwhelming sense of being loved ; 

So loved by Almighty God, 

Pain is no longer pain ! 

Grief lies subdued by the great 

Palliative Peace! and sorrow. 

Though still there, cannot hold sway 

Again, above all this love, 

This Holy comforting. 



Life deepens, the spirit 
Grown keen to note the Father's hand, 
The Father's voice and touch in all things, 
Makes life sublime — nothing trivial seems. 
Wondering why God should love me so, 
Without a care, 1 lay my future in his hands 
And give — paltry gift indeed — my life. 
My heart. 

The all-loving, pitying heart 
Of God, longs to give, and is seeking, 
Seeking ever, empty hearts, in which 
To pour himself. 

I cannot comprehend, 
It is too great! but it sheds o'er life 
The joy of Heaven — lends me power 
To do, to bear, to love, until 
He calls me hon:e ! 



ENDLESS LIFE 

Eternal life; 
I live it now, with limitations, true, 
That pain and check my spirit-growth. 
There, free from body, from natural world. 
Beyond the veil, will burst to bloom 
My heart's desires I am planting now. 
And I shall know and understand 

14 



The wonders of both worlds, 
As with transformed perception, keen, 
I learn the angel lore. 
With them I shall study Christ, 
The King of Earth and Heaven ! 
And they who help me comprehend 
Are my own I loved and lost awhile, 
My immortal inheritance! 
Changed to likeness of the Son! 
Angels! A voiceless message comes, 
I know, although I see Him not, 
I am living in His presence! 



THE ''COMPASS FLOWER" 

SAFELY, securely, I rest on the arm 
That holds w^here sorrow cannot harm. 

Yesterday's grace cannot carry me through, 
I find fresh supply given each day new. 

Tears m.ust not blind or dim my eye, 
For the " morning star " shines in my sky. 
15 



FAILURE? 

WE look so lonLi;in^l\- back 
At great deeds we meant to do. 
The many, many failures 
Too dark to see liti;ht throu<:h. 

The golden dreams dispelled, 

The song hushed in despair, 
Will God restore, complete 

In the spirit-life, over there? 

Did we ask strength of God, 

His blessing, and His plan,. 
For life within, and without. 

The safe way for n:an ? 

Souls! who have one aim, 

Humbly, tremblingly, try 
Just daily to conquer self 

Patiently, under God's eye. 

Daily, hourly, battling within ; 

Stumbling, falling, praying, 
Always keeping the Cross in sights 

Clinging to keep from straying,. 

If. 



Trouble born as though deserved, 
Life's day a long sacrificial one, 

Doing duty assigned, without word, 
For thee — the Master's " Well done. 

The light of thy life, so true, 
Sends o'er life's wave its ray. 

Guiding souls past dangers deep 
To the safe heavenward way. 

The Lamb in the midst of the throne 
Will wipe away all thy tears. 

Give thee white robes and palms, 
A song, instead of thy fears! 



THE RACE 

A DISCOURAGED man and weary, 
Tired of strife, and of trying. 
Of my soul's yearnings and crying 
Life a burden, sad and drearj^ 

My good angel, venturing near, 

Drew my gaze to church-going people. 
And bell ringing welcome from steeple 

Called me to rest and to cheer. 



Taking my place in the throng 
Of contented, satisfied faces, 
I scanned them and saw no traces 

Of battles I knew, hard and long. 

"Alone, must I struggle alone! 
Will companion, neighbor or wife 
Ne'er understand my inner life? 

Can nothing for suffering atone?" 

Up to the high arches roll 

Grand tones of organ and voice, 
Thrill me, and bid me rejoice! 

Healing peace enters my soul. 

Then the minister leads in prayer. 

Thanks God for this life — that so presses 
Asks help, from our sins, our distresses. 

Prays as If God were right there! 

He reads as though he believes 
Wonderful words from the Book, 
And his pale face bears a look 

That tells, as he preaches, he lives. 

** Run with patience the race set before. 

Have ye endured yet unto blood? 

Ye are promised all spiritual good 
Will be heir, and son, evermore. 



" The hands that hang down, upraise 
The feeble knees, courage take 
Straight paths for your feet, make, 

FoHow peace, learn to live praise. 

" Strive for holiness, God you will see.' 
Can I believe the promise mine too? 
My hungry heart claims it all true! 

Lord, finish thy work of faith in me! 



19 



A PRAYER 

GREAT God, Maker of this earth 
And of me, 
Take all this poor heart 
It belongs to thee. 
Forgive dumbness, blindness, 
Teach me to see! 

Make me more worthy 

This world's beauty, 

Keener to see and fill 

My every duty. 

Reflecting Christ, in 

I'ure simplicity. 



REVEALED 

WONDERFUL link 'tween man and 
God, 
By which we fall or rise ; 
Divine spark, that saves our clod, 
For beautiful surprise. 



Fiery trial lashes and stings, 

Sorrow lays us low- 
In prayer the soul finds wing;s 
To rise above her woe. 



We know Christ in us lives. 
We found Him in the pain; 

We trust vvhate\cr God gives, 
Suffering is gain. 



It seemed like death, 'twas lite! 

Lite abundant, rare, 
Resurrected from soul strile. 

His power, His riches to share 



If such awaking is joy won, 
Then can w^e longer fear 

Change that makes us like the Son 
When death's angel draws near 



In tribulation we learn our song, 
In darkness find our light ; 

'Tis in that light our souls belong, 
The Father leads aright. 

21 



''IT IS NOT ALL OF LIFE TO 
LIVE" 

LIFE! 'tis a wonderful suund ! 
Have I tauy;ht its meaning at all? 
I hear in my soul a call 
I'o something untried, unfound! 

I sit on the hillside dreaming; 
The quiet, the distance, the trees 
That shelter, speak, till on my knees 

I list to a voice on the breeze. 
Angel of Life! 

What heed I if eyes are streaming? 
The weight of m^' questioning heart 
Is lightened here. I can listen apart 

From the world's wiles and art, 
Angel of Life! 

Whispers of eternal meaning 

Make all nature a joy to me. 

Oh ! may it help me to see 
All God wants me to be. 
Angel of Life! 



1 long to be through with seeming, 
To have Heaven's realities mine, 
To meet Thy " Love Divine," 

My soul free as Thine, 

Angel of Life! 



RESURRECTION VISION 



I 



WP2NT to mourn my dead 
Sweet, sad memory led 
Me to the quiet gra\e. 



I said, I will be brave. 
Hut I have right to mourn 
The dear child gone. 

Did n(Jt I with hope forlorn 
Daily watch the frailty. 
Only to m.e, a reality? 

Did I not rear so tenderly, 
That I thouiiht, even al)ove 
He'll need mother's love? 

With start, how often, clear, 

I heard him call *' Mother dear," 

And, too, his step upon the stair. 

23 



But lo ! when 1 was there, 
Kneelinii by m\' little mound. 
Strewing sweet flowers around, 

Somehow I could not m.ourn, 
Gone was all Wiy sadness, 
In my heart new prladness. 

Comins; toward, on snowy cloud, 
I saw a happy white-robed host, 
And the child that I had lost. 

Holding hi^h a shininti; cross, 
Leading in triumphant strain 
That soothed n^y heart and brain. 

Alleluias filled the air, 

*' He is risen," sweetly sang the boy 

■" We are risen," they sang in joy, 

Passing through the empty tomb — 
And still I seem to feel and see 
All-pervading, glorious Majesty. 

" So, in Christ shall all live," 
And I, dear Lord, am satisfied, 
I have seen him glorified ! 
^4 



FROM AFAR 

THK hills dark uneven lines, 
Beetlinii clilts, scragizy pines. 
Black shadows, glarini2; light — 
Fair distance hi ends, makes right. 
1111 I gaze on a beautiful whole 
That satisfies my eye and soul. 
So will it be when looking back 
O'er life's rough, broken track, 
With our Cjod reviewing the span, 
We will see it a whole perfect plan. 
Sorrows, storms, temptations, fire, 
15ut urged us on to climb up higher. 
And all the way, sweet angel art 
Guided straight to iht- Father's heart. 



G 



MELODY 

(^D gave music 
To the world new, 
Birds sweet song 
Harmony 

True. 
25 



Rustle of leaves, 
Ocean's moans, 
Shells soft echoes, 
World's 

Undertones. 

Unworded messages 
Comfort impart, 
By music's aid 
Heart to 

Heart. 

Tongue or pen 
Cannot explain 
What costly feeling 
Tells in sweet 
Strain. 

Generous healer! 
Balm to weary brain, 
Leading sad souls 
To hope 

Again. 

Gift divine! 
May we aspire 
To God's harmonies, 
And grou- 

Higher! 
26 



MY LOVE AND I 

SOFT o'er the lake the sunshine plays 
Throuj^h sweet luxurious summer days. 

With light-dipping oar we smoothly glide 
By grasses and trees of the lake-side, 

Till in shadowy cove we rest awhile, 
Watching the waters dimple and smile. 

Content together, my love and I, 

With voiceless message from eye to eye. 

Deep, mysterious, the soul-life is! 
How good a God to give all this! 



27 



PURITY 

NOW where do j^our thoughts live? 
What kind of a home do you give 
The dear things? Is it in air, 
Blown from heights clear and fair? 
Does your heart's garden bloom, 
Leaving no room for gloom? 
Fed by crystal-clear streams 
That reflect the sun's beams, 
Free from all noxious weeds, 
Thoughts e'en better than deeds — 
For life's not all action alone. 
Some thoughts for much atone. 
God's eye can penetrate alway, 
Like sun to roots hidden away, 
Down to those motives so deep 
That make life sublime or cheap. 
The seed-thought now in mind 
Will soon be the world you find — 
Keep your soul's house pure and free. 
And the Master Himself may visit thee. 
28 



TWO 

(/// tivo parts.) 

I. LITTLE WIFE 

DO \ou ask nie 
What is she like? 
I fear to hegin her picture to draw 
For unlike the beauties seen before, 
Her charms are second, so much more 
Has my little wife. 

M}^ heart always w^arms 
As I think of her! 
In her coaxing way she can wind 
My will to her own sweet mind ; 
For she's not the clinging-vine kind, 
My winsome wife! 

You say 30U never saw 
Her bright smile? 
Summer sunshine cannot compare, 
Worry, troubles, live not in such air; 
Tangles smooth out, and are nowhere 
With my little wife. 
29 



Do I deserve her? 
Ah, no ! who could ! 

But I'm glad of man's strength and power 
To make smooth her path, protect her — 
And keep the world's frost from my flower. 
Dear little wife ! 

Do you know 
The innocent look, 

The clear gaze that knows no wrong, 
And gives courage to be strong; 
Here, my soul's homage and love belong. 
My angel wife! 



II. .M\' LORD 

How we women can love! 
Is it wisdom to tell 
These lords of our hearts and lives. 
These husbands of happy wives, 
How deep is the well? 

As the river runs into the sea. 

So my life into his life flows, 
And I know should ocean divide, 
My spirit with his would abide, 
Follow, wherever he goes. 
30 



If he's successful and happy, 

As ornament neetls his wife, 
I will the ready companion he 
SeekiuLi; always, through h)ve of me, 
To raise his standard of h'fe. 

If he sorrows, misfortune comes, 
Oh! then he will find, will see, 
I can be his comfort and cheer — 
If he loses all else, I'll be near. 

Content, so he lo\es and needs me. 

Love has moulded us both anew, 
Developed new powers in me ; 
In my happiness just one fear, 
Shall I whisper it in your ear? 

(lod keep my heart from idolatry! 



I 



A DREAM 

T was early morn ; the yellow light 
Gold-tinged the landscape bright. 



A smiling world in the summer air 
Gave no hint of sorrow, anywhere. 

31 



Graceful shrubs of the softest green 
Waved in light breeze to music unseen. 

Old-fashioned flowers perfumed the air 
And grew in wild beauty in garden fair. 

llirough the open door, pale and wan, 
Ke eagerly stepped, hastening on. 

In the garden alone with his sorows 
He struggled to face sad to-morrows. 

Under the friendly sheltering trees 
He cried aloutl, as he fell on his knees: 

"God help me! No hopeful ray 

Of this morning's brightness o'er my way! 

My heart will break with longing, yearning 
For vanished hand, for sweet face hungering. 

Drear and desolate m>- life. Elder Brother! 
How shall I bear my child's cr\', ' Mother! ' " 

Then came a little form in soft white, 
In and out the trees, till by his side quite, 

She knelt, too; softly touched his face — 

" It seems as though God were in this place! 



Is He my father; does he know- 
How we miss mother, how 1 cried to ;j;o 

Where He has taken her, for we three 
Heh)ni: together; cannot separate he? 

She came to me in a dream hist ni^j^ht — 

My mother herself, thouizh an aniiel hriirht — 

Wiped m\- tears away — whispered she'tl sta\' 
Always near me, and smooth my wa\'. 

Help me learn the lessons Ciod iiives, 

So my soul will i^row up, live as she lives. 

She is treasurini: ever\ ^ood act of mine, 
And told me already in Heaven they shine. 

Somethinj2; like her kiss fell on my heart, 
And I know now we are not far apart. 

I am sad still, my father, it's not ^one away, 
But there's gladness, too, in my sunshine to- 
day." 

" The Father has left me one angel here ; 
I thank Him for this messa^re so dear. 

Given me throup^h this little white soul, 
God is hinding up — He will ' make whole!' " 
33 



B 



LIFE 

(/// three parts.) 

I. ROSES 

OWERS of roses, 

Rose-lined walks, 
Rich-huetl blossoms 
On claint\ stalks. 



Heautiful colors 

Of Nature's blending, 
Back to the sunshine, 

Fragrance lending. 

No failure to bloom, 
No insect or blight, 

Was anywhere seen 

In early morn light. 

By rich sofranna 

The owner stood. 

Such luxuriance! 

God ! how good ! 
• 34 



Softly behind him 

Comes Christy fair, 

Smiling brightly, 

Step light as air. 

" Now I caught you — 
Such a rapt face — 

Worshipping roses 

In this quiet place." 

'' Confess, now, you love 
These, more than me. 

They never vex you, 

Always lovely to see." 

** My teasing Christy; 

Say, you know better. 
But here is my thought. 

True to the letter." 

Smoothing her brow. 
As he loves to do, 

" No beauty grown 

Compares with you." 

" I was thinking, too — 
My fresh and fair — 

You, and the Duchess, 
A beautiful pair." 
35 



La}in^ it aizainst cheek 
By dark brown hair, 

Finally at throat 

Rose nestles there. 

Then, kissing her, 

" I own to selfish tear 
When I see the young men 

Hovering near." 

" Now, father, who teases, 
I'd like to know; 

No young man for me 

While vou love me so." 



II. BUD 

'Twas near the close of a day in June — 
The garden in sweet quiet lay — 

While pink and wh-te and saffron cup 

Held its fragrant chalice up 
To catch each slanting ray. 

In bright contrast to waning day 

Down the path came a bud of a boy. 
Chubby, happy, each step a spring; 
Curls a-flutter, like humming-bird's wing 
Cheeks so rosy, eyes full of joy. 
36 



^Ife- 



'/n bright contrast to ZL-aning Jay. 



" Mother, I'll make 3011 a crown 

Of these roses, m\ Grampa loved so; 
All m3'self, I can do it, of roses and leaves, 
Better, Mother, than any one b'lieves; 
Then you'll be our Queen, you know." 

" F'irst, I'll pa\ \()u two or three kisses. 

Why, Bud, it's a beautiful crown; 
The w^orld holds not such another 
As these little hands made for mother. 

Place it, dear; st^, 1 kneel down." 

15ortlere<l b}- ferns, see the path w ind 

Up from the garden, through the glen. 
Leaving the babbling brook behind. 
And shady retreat for meditative mind. 
To the top of the hill, and view so wide; 

There stood the three under the beeches — 
"Life's like that river's peaceful tide; 
Just so my da\s so happily glide. 
And I have shores to hem me in, too ; 
Are not you one, Bud, and you?" 

III. IMMORTELLE 

With tired steps and heart a-weary, 
For memories press and troubles drear)', 
Leave heart-scars. 

37 



But always blessing, always giving 

From endless store, and learning more 

To lean on God. 

Seeking the poor, sick, the neglected, 

Those who comfort need, whom she can feed. 

Body and soul. 

In sick room now, roses have mission — 

They help win a smiile, open the way 

For a pra\er. 

Nothing daunts, for the work is God's, 

To win wandering soul, the fair, high goal 

Of the Deaconess — 

Life is full, rich. Her fair calm face. 

So fitly framicd in with white bow at chin, 

Interprets Grace. 






■•' .f 



3S 



HIGHER LIFE 



ANOTHER sphere, 
Life for the heart, 
Angels impart — 
Lies near. 



We do not heed 

Beauty ch)se at hand 
Fail to understand 

Our need. 



So we stay 

Behind closed door 
Crying evermore, 

Show the way ! 
39 



Angels guide 

With brooding care — 
Give light everywhere— 

Souls hide. 

Joy or pain, 

Breaks bond that clings. 
Unfolds soul wings, 

Immortal train ! 







A 



SWEET VIOLIN 

RE you sad, alone, 

Without the hand so tender, 
That wooed \()u to surrender 



^ Our soul in tone? 

Sweet violin, 

The soul soars now in glory. 

Who breathed through you the story 

Of purity within ! 

Sweet spirit, thine 

Own true life-harmonies 
Entone our hearts' memories — 

Obligato divine! 




41 



D 



BLOSSOM 

EAR little heaven-sent baby, 

Lying asleep, 
We watch with admiring eyes, 

And silence keep. 



Dear little blue-eyed baby, 

Smiling sweet, 
Wondering at your chubby hands 

And kicking feet. 

Dear little blossom baby. 

Fresh from Heaven, 

Thy fragrance shed on us who serve 
Is God-given. 



Do we wish you to grow, to know, 

Be like us more ; 
To develop the failings we fight against, 

We sicken o'er? 



Ah, well, little Babe, we remember 

You're God's; 
He can keep you from sin and distresses — 

We trust His Word. 

We would like to choose how you'll grow, 

Baby dear; 
But the Dear Father knows what is best — 

Sees clear. 

We're glad we've a part, can help 

A soul grow ; 
May you keep my Baby, the light you brought. 

That pure glow. 



LITTLE POWERS 

LOVE entered, 
I cannot tell how; 
Sate him down 
With folded wing; 
Possesses whole heart 
And life now! 

Little twin brother 
Pain, always near; 
Known, too, and at home 

43 



In my heart, 
Murmurs low-toned 
Melodies drear. 

Together, you dread 

Little Powers, 

Have ope'd great depth; 

In my soul, 

Where Heaven's angels 

Plant flowers. 



THE MOTHER HEART 

I LOOK at baby lying there, 
Costly bundle, sweet and fair ; 
So very helpless, so dependent— 
A soul wrapped in babyhood, 
A power for evil or for good — 
Awaiting development. 

I Icok into the weary eyes. 
Blue and deep as summer skies, 

And little patient, pallid face, 
Feel the divine mystery 
Of the young sufferer's history 

Child, without childish grace. 
L.ofC. 44 



Such humble work, ^et so broad, 
For they look to mother as to God, 

Draw ver^' life from her; 
Needing, oh ! so sadly, 
Love that will sacrifice gladly. 

Lives on prayer. 

Even the rosy, happy child, 

With winsome prattle, joyously wild. 

Finds his all in mother's eyes, 
In sweet caress, brooding care. 
Thank God ! mothers are everywhere ! 

With the love that never dies. 

This mother love, so deep. 
Was entrusted e'en to keep 

Child Jesus from above. 
In atonement, a blessed part. 
The Holy One slept at Mary's heart. 

Tried Earth's mother-love! 

Wonderful, beautiful, living 
Life for other's needs giving ; 

Counting nothing loss 
That cheers or helps some way. 
Love, The Mother brought away, 

From the Christ's Cross ! 



THE HOURS 

THESE little dancing figures come 
And play with the minutes, day by 
day ; 
Happy and hopeful, every one. 

They've come, they think, to stay. 
Such a golden flutter at our feet. 
We know not which bright one to greet. 

A host of shining hours pressing, 
We but dimly see the gift of each, 

Nor catch their whispers, little guessing 
Soon they'll pass beyond our reach. 

Oh! little hopeful, sunny hours! 

What a short time you are ours! 

But why do they droop, quiet grow. 
Nor seem to hear me urge them stay, 

As into dimness they fade and go, 
So quickly flying I lose their way — 

These hurrying, scurrying little hours, 

What a short time they are ours ! 
46 




^^speaking-tones my spirit enfold.'''' 



A shimmer of \ving;s, lii:;ht in my eyes, 
New host of sprites so gleaming bright 

Are all around me, and now I prize 
Each gift and favor, each ray of light. 

I will use \ou well, \()u precious Hours, 

Saving regret, when no longer ours. 



I 



SIMPLE AVEU 



In all her sweetness 1 see; 
Beautiful strains my soul move 
As Rosalie plays to me. 



Swa>ing like a white rose. 

Her eyes so deep and glowing, 

Smoothly the white arm bows, 
Sweetly the melody flowing. 

Speaking-tones my spirit enfold. 
Love's cadence fills the air. 

Lo! the precious secret is told, 
Her very soul lies bare ! 

These memories bless, >et burn. 
We are parted, perhaps forever — 

Yet to this confession I turn 

With yearning nothing can sever. 
47 



o 



BY THE SEA 

NE memorable, beautiful da_v, 
I saw the spot b}^ the sea, 

Where natural beauty unspoiled 
Spoke in truth to me. 



Dear little church on the Dounes, 
The sea rolling at your feet, 

Far from the cares, the worry of life, 
Emblem of peace, sweet retreat. 

Hills rising, softly green. 

Between the lake and the sea; 

Patiently holding back the waves, 
Mighty though they be. 

Glorious sunset lights, on the lake, 

Clouds like angel wings; 
Brooding o'er the closing day, 

God's peace on all things. 

48 



A FRIEND 

MY beautiful friend ! Words cannot 

All your friendship means to nie. 
An unsought, wonderful gift of God, 
Mine for time, for eternity! 

With you I am my truest self ; 

Think aloud, for you understand. 
My soul something greater grows. 

In loving you, seems to expand. 

Though oceans may lie between. 
My loving thought is with thee. 

Strengthening ties that bind, 
Drawing thy sweet soul to me. 



49 



Vt\j A^o ]!^05 



